What Makes This Song Great? "Comfortably Numb" Pink Floyd

[@barrypyle1]

A few years ago our local record store had a sign on the wall "No talking during David Gilmour solos". Amen to that!

[@NLGeebee]

But we all agree that it not counts for Rick here, don’t we? He may even pause the solo without us screaming out loud…

[@aqclaudio]

Nice, do you have a picture of that sign's place? I will love it see at.

[@cvtemgrapes207]

😂👍

[@wintertime331]

Right?? It would be sacrilege!😊

[@cryptoskywalker6000]

It's fair to say that David Gilmour is the reason I play guitar.

[@pakalak3]

Dude I once played this song to my Dad on my acoustic a long time ago and he began crying from the beauty of the music as well as from his son playing it. He's an old Pakistani Dad who hadn't ever heard it.

[@sergiosaunier]

That was beautiful man. I can only imagine how emotional that moment was for both of you.

[@Spuzzmacher]

I’m not even listening to it at the moment and the corners of my eyes are welling up as i think about some of the parts of this song. It’s nuts how much emotion they manage to pack into the sound of it, especially considering its a song about being sick & delirious and getting a doctors injection.

[@GlennSyndallius]

I watched a live version before I watched this vid. I was in tears through most of the live version, and even Rick's WMTSG vid made me tear up a bit!! The power of music, man.

[@KerryKugelman]

Beautiful and from the heart. So glad you've got such a connection with your Dad.

[@JeddieT]

I’ve listened to this song a thousand times, and now I’ve _heard_ it.

[@GottaloveMuse1]

Well said.

[@Laurielism]

Me too. Well said.

[@yttkuar]

Thank you so much for doing this one. Love it!

[@jimh1369]

So true! Even when you have listened to this so often that you know the guitar solos by heart, Rick opens your ears to let you know how the song is constructed, and you hear it in a whole new way.

[@peterroberts4415]

Touche. Pink Floyd is my favorite band, and this gives me an ever deeper appreciation for the intricacies they put into their work

[@silenoz666]

“The child is grown. The dream is gone”. These two verses are guaranteed goosebumps for me.

[@mountrobson1]

Comfortably Numb is one of only four "perfect 10" songs I've found in my 60 years on this earth -- and the only one with lyrics I can understand (my comprehension of Latin being what is is!). This subjective list is completely my own. It's hard to pin down exactly what elevates a piece of music to the list, but it has something to do with how I view the job I've done as a father to my two sons. To me, the specific lyric you mention above defines the time in every child's life when they suddenly realize that everything is not 100% good in the world. It seems to happen around 5 years old. I remember the moment specifically in both my sons' lives, and it still evokes great heartache in me, even though they both grew up happily and know have a beautiful family of their own!

[@SIeeplessInBerlin]

@@mountrobson1 What are the other three?

[@Magst3r1]

@@mountrobson1 What ere the others?

[@TampaDave]

When I was a child, I had a fever ("Cat Scratch Fever"). I described the sensations in my hands as feeling like they were stuffed with cotton. "Two balloons" is just as close to catching that feeling.

[@jeremyc9593]

Never realized just how true those words would become

[@brianherzog1957]

Listened to this song a million times. “Heard” parts of it for the first time today. Thanks Rick!

[@davidburgreen2469]

Same!

[@JohnnieCrazy]

How does Rick isolate parts of the song?

[@aaronlewis1270]

Master tracks

[@JohnnieCrazy]

@@aaronlewis1270 I mean, how does he get these master tracks! Kkkk

[@sagetmaster4]

@@JohnnieCrazy because he's Rick Beato my guy

[@astewart9410]

My wife works in mental health and, one time during a group session, she played this song in an appropriate setting to encourage discussion with some non-communicative patients. They all immediately reacted and moved to the music, even interacted and were lifted by it. We know that music is a universal language, and this is without doubt a very powerful tune.

[@danieltaylor4728]

That’s great, I suspect this type of therapy doesn’t happen often enough.

[@astewart9410]

Maybe not, but there is a whole stream of creative arts therapies (music, art, drama, and dance) that allow for many modes of expression where words just don’t cut it, so I’d still hope there are many people out there embracing these ways to help people express themselves.

[@martinXY]

Music therapy doesn't receive the attention (and funding) that it should.

[@astewart9410]

Full agreement from here.

[@jamesonredbreast6310]

Considering that the Wall album is basically about someone building a wall around themselves for protection, it's no surprise that people who are in that situation can relate.

[@rodchallis8031]

This is one of those songs that I intentionally don't listen to often. I want every time to be fresh, special.

[@Vibeagain]

Good call

[@randomperson-dy6kj]

I got burned out on it from overplay on classic rock radio in the 90’s. Hearing it now, after avoiding the song for a couple decades, is beautiful. I love watching the young people on KZbin experiencing it for the first time.

[@kebarzivo]

Yeah, that's the kind of thing I do when a song is great. I try not to listen to it too often, because I want to keep its freshness.

[@rodchallis8031]

@@randomperson-dy6kj I've never owned anything by the Stones for that reason. That way, when a song like 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' comes on the radio when I'm in the car, it's a thrill. It's not like I don't like the Stones.

[@jackbedient]

Same here!

[@Krebssssssss]

That wailing of the guitar just gets me every time. Like a scream for help, someone who’s in immeasurable pain. I swear, Gilmour said more with one guitar solo than most people say in their lifetime.

[@mybiz1006]

Agree 100%.

[@arthur78]

I'm not crying you're crying!

[@Bluelagoonstudios]

I consider him talking with his guitar, on many albums. Bringing a real message. Mind-blowing.

[@lynby6231]

He’s the most expressive guitarist I’ve ever heard, I love his style of playing, the feel and emotion he puts into every single pluck bend or slide is on a level of it’s own. He humbly conceded that there are more technically gifted guitarists than himself but no one creates solos like his.

[@scottjones1109]

When I first heard the beginning note of this song's second lead, I was overcome with an actual chill throughout my whole torso, a reaction NO song had ever inspired in me before. So emotionally powerful, for years after that, once the solo's initial note played, I continued to experience the same physical response. The chill finally faded away but I could listen to this masterpiece every day and never tire of it. It remains the finest guitar lead ever.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

True Story: When I was a young man my band covered Comfortably Numb and we would always play it note for note and then do an extended jam at the end. There was a girl in the crowd that I had known my whole life and was WAY out of my league. However, after watching me play the solo to Comfortably Numb she decided I was hot enough for her. She is now my wife and we have 2 kids and have been married for almost two decades. Thanks Pink Floyd. LOL!

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

And that's why we all wanted to play guitar!! To get the girls!

[@williamzoom9200]

Love that story - congrats, dude, well played.

[@pedromrques]

@@williamzoom9200 literally

[@hanreality.7266]

Wow, the power of music! 😎🎸👩‍🦰🥰👰👶👶

[@3rdstone1]

Awesome story on a couple of levels.

[@fletacollins7791]

When my father passed away in 2007, I crawled inside this song, like it was a warm, dark cave. To lay still. I stayed in there for a good long while, until I found the strength to come back out into the light and join the human race again. What an incredible song, and means so much to me. Thank you Rick.

[@michael7324]

No better song to heal the soul. Glad you made it through.

[@MusicFed]

Fleta: Thanks for sharing such a powerful and private memory

[@mightymorphinmonty7618]

Thank you for sharing a powerful memory. Sorry for your loss

[@katharineshade9550]

The power of music is just transcendent. I’m glad it gave you a safe space to just be.

[@udsmall7306]

Same. Mine in '98. Took me about a year to really move through it. A friend's phrase was a lifeline: _"you don't 'get over' it, you just learn to deal with it"_ I still miss him.. 😞

[@dziner70]

The second guitar solo is a violent masterpiece. That’s the way I’ve come to describe it after 40 years of listening to it. From that first squeal, it grabs you and throws you around, bludgeoning your emotions and leaving you wanting for it to never end.

[@GoneAfterMidnight]

I could hear the band play that section for all eternity

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Well said, well said!🥂

[@TheStormpilgrim]

"Violent masterpiece" is also how I'd describe Alex Lifeson's solo in "By-Tor" on the All the World's a Stage album. That's one of the most brutal and emotional guitar solos I can think of. After listening to '80s Rush, encountering that was like, "Wow, I had no idea they had that kind of chaotic energy!"

[@goodpainlive]

Just saw Mr. Gilmour at MSG last week. 78 years old and was absolutely mind blowing.

[@credrole]

me too. i cant believe it happened. watch him play a song made 45 years ago

[@goodpainlive1]

@@credrolehis daughter can sing too. Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

[@danielswaim5566]

I suffer from depression and anxiety. One of the places I find my therapy is in the music that I love, and this song (and Pink Floyd generally) is one of the places I turn to for therapy. I recall a few years back, driving down a country road after a particularly difficult day, and this song coming on my Spotify playlist. The first chorus kicked in, and I had one of the most cathartic cries of my lifetime. Incredible song. Simple, but aesthetically perfect.

[@catbertz]

💖

[@boomerdell]

The healing power of music. Thanks for sharing your story, Daniel. It helps more people than you'll realize. Hope all is well.

[@prokas69]

Ditto

[@tomsmith184]

Same with me but for Return to Serenity, as soon I know the solos coming it’s like someone else takes over. I walk everywhere with my head down, not with that song on for some reason🤷🏽‍♂️

[@grungemusicfan]

By zen moment is from their Breathe (Reprise) from Dark Side of the Moon Home, home again I like to be there when I can When I come in cold and tired It's good to warm my bones beside the fire Far away across the field The tolling of the iron bell Calls the faithful to their knees To hear the softly spoken magic spells.

[@cubbyjo]

When I was a senior in high school I listened to this so many times I knew exactly how long to hold the rewind button to start it over.

[@billrumbley]

X-gen: “what’s a rewind button?”

[@rfr64]

❤️🤣

[@drewzducks]

I love Rick’s childlike excitement and enthusiasm for a song he’s heard thousands of times over 40+ years.

[@FelixGGaming]

That's how you know the song is legendary

[@gatogatonoclip]

yeah, i love how much he loves it

[@DeLawrence97]

That's what a good song does, no matter how many times you listen to it, it still feels fresh and moving.

[@billframbach9316]

I love how Rick keeps turning up the volume on the playback to the point where he is significantly raising his voice...he just needs more. We all need more.

[@ramair6424]

This was the best “What Makes This Song Great?” EVER!!!

[@williammorris1384]

Well said RamAir 64, I TOTALLY AGREE!! 👍

[@dropthehammer1360]

It really is.

[@dpf1119]

Rick Beato is the Anthony Bourdain of music. His knowledge of music is infectious, as was Bourdain with food. Both are able to reveal to mystery, beauty, and techniques of their craft to experts and laypeople alike.

[@El-Scorcho]

The Smells Like Teen Spirit and Rocket Man are still my two favorites, but this might be #3!

[@ps.2]

I dunno, man. He found an awful lot to talk about in "Carry on Wayward Son." This one was pretty good too, though. (:

[@foxbean100]

Rick Beato is to rock what David Attenborough is to nature - the world's most enthusiastic and likeable teacher.

[@atomiccritter6492]

not to diss Attenborough much but I think nature programmes he has been on ignore that homosexual, bisexual pratcices exist in nature...

[@andrewandrew3713]

Facts

[@selmics]

Well said

[@DavidBaronStevensPersonal]

Well said! Thank God for jazz

[@bertrach]

And here.... we have... the very rare... pink... floyd.

[@JeffNipp]

Another thing about this song and this album, this was the era of headphone listening. Not airpods, but high quality full sized headphones in a darkened room, maybe with blacklight or lava lamps... Just letting the music envelop you and carry you away. Pink Floyd was there at the beginning of this era as the 60's became the 70's , particularly with Dark Side of the Moon, and they were around all the way at the end with a Momentary Lapse of Reason as the 80's closed out. Comfortably Numb is the perfect example of this music... Big and deep sound, rich and evocative... Even without words it is filled with emotion. The Wall is perhaps the greatest "headphones" album of all time. The entire album is designed to tell a story in words and music from start to finish.. best experienced undisturbed and uninterrupted for maximum impact.

[@jamesonredbreast6310]

You were really able to hear all of the complexities Rick was talking about. Never a dull moment!

[@jolewis9919]

Totally agree..

[@KindredGh0st]

It's funny you mentioned this. I was literally listening to this episode on my phone and was thinking too myself "I wish I had a Klipsch Cornwall or La Scala hifi.".

[@Tony_P]

Friday night , a few beers and maybe a little green. Bean bag placed central to the speakers , lights down , volume up. It was a frequent scene in my late teens during the early 80s and this album was on high rotation. Thanks Rick for taking me straight back there !

[@notpub]

Headphones yeeeessss!! The other point here is that we listened to the album in its entirety. Sure, there were singles charts even then; but artists didn't "make" it with singles like they do today....the albums had to be full of ideas. Poetry. Creativity. INSPIRATION. Many were themed. It was an entire EXPERIENCE not a single verse-chorus-verse formula for making it to the top of Spotify. It's like the difference between the salad bar.( where you get samples of different flavors) and the entre, ,(where you are filled by the meal, ambiance,) and EXPERIENCE.

[@Cherokeelion]

I too, have the same feeling now as when hearing it in 1980. Man… it just grabs your soul and takes you on a ride

[@IRIDEHARLEYS]

I simply love how David Gilmour is never rushed, the nuances and pauses are every bit as important in his playing as is the very next note. Gilmour's solos have his Fender Strat sounding as if it were both singing and crying at the same time. Truly a remarkable and breathtaking song. This is a song for past, present future generations - to never be forgotten. Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd leaves me speechless every time. It gives me goosebumps. I want this song played at my funeral. Thank you Pink Floyd for the beautiful music and memories.

[@superhepu]

So true, there is always free space..

[@dennisneo1608]

The Delicate Sound of Thunder version is utterly amazing.

[@joulesinwatt]

There's so much beautiful space in the solo. Beautiful pauses. Truly breathtaking.

[@JeddieT]

@@dennisneo1608 …Yes, the Delicate Sound of Thunder’s live version of this song is life changing. ~Staggeringly beautiful~ If there is a gentle god, he’ll make sure I’m listening to this song as I take my last breath.

[@samdorado6670]

I've always said I want this song at my funeral! Wow amazing how this song can make so many people feel in a similar way.

[@photodube]

Rick you are the best music teacher I've ever had.

[@telequacker-9529]

Dude is redeeming the entire boomer generation.

[@MiddleMalcolm]

Great lessons, indeed. ☺

[@JackMcLeodJr]

Mr B is absolute class,, a proper 'pure feel' guy. Please keep up the excellent work!

[@notpub]

So smart. So talented. So sexy.!!!

[@DDE_ADDICT]

he is the best in the world. we are all so fortunate to have Rick, he is a gift to the world of music.

[@Chigoesandflea]

No one but Rick could disassemble this song so thoroughly, yet leave it fully intact. Only added to my enjoyment of this masterpiece.

[@tonywilson4713]

I was trying to figure out what to say. 👍👍👍

[@Oh_I_Will]

Nick could actually play on this one….

[@JeremyDeBose]

As a 19 year old black kid in Louisiana in 2005 who only listened to pop and rap, I was in class at LSU and saw someone wrote Comfortably Numb on the back of a seat. I decided to finally download Pink Floyd and try it. They became my favorite band and this song will never be topped. And this video makes me hear it like a new song all over again.

[@RhettShull]

This is now my favorite Rick Beato video.

[@thatderek]

My thoughts exactly. Excellet job Rick.

[@kylepetersen6520]

Same bro, I was waiting for him to do this like ever sense I subscribe.

[@RickBeato]

@rhett Shull That was a given :)

[@TK-fk4po]

And it’s not blocked!!!

[@laudarevsonhunt]

Mine was when Rick did The Who song

[@golferal]

EVERYTHING is what makes Pink Floyd songs great. Amazing musicianship, thoughtful lyrics, cutting edge (for the time) production, and hauntingly perfect guitar work. Absolute perfection on every level.

[@dougrobinson8602]

Just imagine putting this song together on TAPE! Genius at work.

[@danielprivate7442]

They were the greatest studio artists of their time. Maybe of all time. Their sound mixing is unmatched. They just knew how every instrument should sound when heard together in order to be "musical". It's why their stuff is so evocative.

[@0000song0000]

and the orchestra orchestral decision!

[@debras1503]

I totally agree with you!

[@jcabotl]

As a non-musician, I hardly understand anything about the technical aspects that Rick discusses, but I love hearing the breakdown of the songs. It truly makes me appreciate the incredible expertise that these groups have to develop such a masterpiece. As a huge Pink Floyd fan, I can’t even imagine how they came together for so long in so many of these masterpieces! Thank you Rick!

Rick makes you feel like you're totally in that studio with him and that he's talking directly to you and ONLY you! He's just the best ❤️

[@andymac6503]

I am no musician either but I enjoy listening to Rick's analyses. This particular song is a level above even the best classic rock tunes. Floyd's best music, and this particular track is at the top of the list. never grows old... unlike other very fine classic songs, say Smoke on tbe Water or Hotel California.

[@mikelund57]

Agreed.. I don't understand the music tech talk, but I love how he breaks everything down .. what masterpieces they created..

[@RaymondBCrisp]

It's worth listening to these breakdowns just to hear the amazing isolated tracks within each song. It let's you appreciate things you may not have even noticed before.

[@johnluby3834]

Spot on keep hoping to understand just one word someday.

[@andydsouza507]

What makes this song great. Literally EVERYTHING. Lyrics, harmony, layering, solos, feeling. When I tell the kids these days that they dont make music like they used to, I mean THIS.

[@Ekuahx]

This song is such a masterpiece, unbelievable.

[@nopenever3]

Could not agree more

[@avozdageracaode816]

Some things happen only in a lifetime. This is one of them.

[@oncosperma]

This, this is worth being born

[@jarem2112]

Such an incredible song that can take you to a different place and mood... And now glad it's finally in your What Makes This Song Great list!

[@dagtheger8993]

Without the conflict between David and Roger, you have to wonder if the song wouldn't have been as great. Too bad they could not get past that (when it mattered most)

[@thomasnettleton289]

My wife of 30 years had NEVER heard this masterpiece by PF. Now, after showing her this video, she can't stop singing the song. She also wants me to take one of my acoustics and get it high-strung. The power of Pink Floyd's music 40 years after its release. Thanks for a GREAT video, Rick.

[@SquigglyBeasst]

Awesome. Chance to convince her you need another guitar..?!

[@basscornel]

ARS LONGA - VITA BREVIS

[@pfloyd7679]

@@SquigglyBeasst 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nancylee4861]

And you married her? Must have been true love!!

[@JC-ch2mm]

What planet is your wife from?

[@mcmoose64]

I love Gilmour's "less is more" approach . He is not afraid to sustain a note , where other guitarists would try to jam as many notes as possible into a phrase . I could listen to your dissection of these solos all night , in fact I think I will.

[@HCkev]

The silences in his solos are equally as important as the other notes

[@overratedprogrammer]

Like robin trower

[@stephen-j-jackson]

Truth.

[@davemcdonald8790]

Very tasteful player!

[@DavidBaronStevensPersonal]

Pink Floyd, in general, are masters of minimalism in music. Although there are countless layers of arrangement, each part is basic and simple, like a group of African drums. There's no ego here. Pure inspiration from the ether. It's the difference between power and strength Youth seeks power Wisdom seeks self-control May every artist alive emulate the mastery of Pink Floyd in their way to distill inspiration into a way us mere mortals can comprehend.

[@Cutelittlething-r1d]

Fans from China, I like your channel very much. I appreciate your explanation of the song Comfortably Numb. This is also one of my favorite songs. I really like the first guitar solo. I know many people feel that the second The guitar solo is very classic, but I've always preferred the first verse. The first time I heard it was in 1991 when I was 17 years old. At that time, the only Pink Floyd album that could be bought in China was The Wall. My brother bought it for me. He knew that I like rock music. This album has no Chinese lyrics, and I don't know what it means, but when I first heard David Gilmour's extraordinary singing and introduced the first guitar solo, I burst into tears, and I don't know why. In the following years, I still listen to it occasionally. Every time I hear the first guitar solo, I still cry like the first time I heard it. I guess this is the magic of music. Without words, the melody can tell a story. Thank you for your explanation and analysis, let me understand more, thank you!

[@noahway13]

I love the Chinese. I hope the government will eventually do some good for you.

[@Cutelittlething-r1d]

@@noahway13 Thank you! I get what you mean, but you need to read more non-English media

[@mikesstrippeddowncovers.2384]

It always brings tears to my eyes too when I really listen.

[@juliocruz2945]

Man I feel you. Still got emotional everytime I listen to this, specially with the second solo. Their version from Pompeii in 2016 is one of my favourite pieces of live music ever. Cheers from Brazil!

[@joeb4142]

谢谢你的精彩故事。世界各地的人们如何与音乐融为一体，真是太神奇了。

[@trosk6244]

Just finished 6 rounds of chemo. Played this song to open my chemo session each time. Also, was a freshman in college '79-'80. Roger wrote the lyrics after getting an infusion of fluids and a sedative before a show in Philly.

[@Disciple_Of_Lerxst]

Good luck with the chemo, brother. I rang the bell 3 years ago and got my port taken out 2 weeks ago! For me, I listened to Hypnotized by Fleetwood Mac...I have a hard time listening to it now...takes me back to the chair every time.

[@50gary]

A huge heartfelt congrats to you and others that have traveled that road. Four months of the "Chemical experimentation" here , The nurses and infusionists called me the Rock Star of Chemo hahaha. No kidding never got sick once. Radiation was much worse, five days for six weeks. Rang both bells and had the port removed one month ago. I almost didn't ring the Radiation bell but then I realised that the bell wasn't for me, it was for the others in the room, to give them hope and see there is an end to the pain. Uncomfortably numb, I now have neuropathy in both feet, my feet feel like two balloons. Back in the mid-1980s we used to cover this great song, for me it's a top three ever. Sorry to run on like this but I've never written about my treatments on YT before your comment just brought it out.

[@DSW_314]

I saw a youtube comment that was so beautiful, it made me teary-eyed. 🥺 "In 1972, as a teenager, I sat in a dark room, smoking a joint, listening to Pink Floyd on my headphones. Here I am, 50 years later, doing the exact same thing. I'm blessed to have lived during the time of Pink Floyd."

[@SanchoSanto]

I think we will all go through something similar. When I was 20 I would smoke a bowl, turn on a red light, and watch the smoke from the incense rise and make shapes while the music played on my soround sound. It was an unbelievable feeling. To this day I still listen to them at night before I sleep. The songs slow me down and relax me before falling to sleep. There are times when the songs mix with my dreams.

[@yellowstonekat]

We were very fortunate to have shared such experiences then and now. Will never forget seeing them when they released Dark Side - surreal and life changing, is as close as I can describe the experience. Thankful we have recordings to enjoy forever

[@chrishvs]

Me too at 60.

[@DavesCoverSongs]

“The child is grown. The dream is gone.” My favorite lyric in this song.

[@rmyukon]

I get chills every time.

[@jarem2112]

@@rmyukon I do get teary eye, and for no personal reason other than the perfect combo of lyrics and orchestra

[@benwilliams5236]

"Never give up on your dreams." I saw this on the notice board near the front door in Debbie and Floyd's GTA V's Vespucci Beach apartment.

[@billstock3663]

"The grass was greener" "The light was brighter" from High Hopes. These lyrics are so profoundly true and sad that I can't even comprehend them fully.

[@ileutur6863]

Its the single most universal lyric ever written. Even to the adults among us who have kept or even lived their dreams, a part of you is irreversibly gone when you grow up

[@iainmac6136]

The extended solo on the 1994 pulse concert is mind bindingly epic. The best solo ever.

[@Shantiante]

That solo is actually pieced together from different recordings on the tour. In other words, Gilmour never played it like that in full - unless he did it afterwards. So the arrangement of the pulse version of the solo belongs to the post editing. Kinda like much of the orchestral arrangement can be credited to Michael Kamen. So many people have contributed this songs incredible sound.

[@gerryboudreaultboudreault2608]

True. David Gilmour's lead guitar cannot be topped. Neither can Waters or Pink Floyd!

[@DanielTakata]

@@Shantianteno, it’s not. That solo is entirely from the same concert (October 20, 1994). The only thing is that there is a little part cut out, but that is the only edited part. You can confirm it by listening the full unedited version (it’s not hard to find it on KZbin).

[@karlscott8141]

The Pulse version was outstanding, however the 2016 Pompeii version makes me fall in love with this song again and again. It truly is the greatest solo ever. It’s not crazy or fast, or abstract, every note matches the melody, the stress, and the psychological breakthrough the song suggests. I never get tired of this concert. “Run” at the end is the light show all others are measured against.

[@christianbungener6561]

As Davids wife once said, he is not the best with words but hand him a guitar and you will understand everything

[@sourav9385]

30 minutes of a genius talking about the genius of another genius. Can't get better than this.

[@AliOsman1]

Absolutely!

[@custosnocte1528]

@Sourav Bhattacharya **VERY WELL STATED** ! You nailed it right on the head. Rick is indeed a musical genius.

[@prokas69]

Spot on

[@marysini1391]

Yes man

[@jesuhs]

You have to have a certain level of knowledge to get so excited about "what makes this song great" And RIck delivers. I wish this kind of knowledge was available when I was learning music.

[@668Kel]

I don't imagine there's much about the nuts and bolts of songwriting and music in general that's mystifying to you, Rick. I find myself less mystified the more I learn. That said, you show no signs of being jaded by your knowledge, and the enthusiasm you show in these videos is nothing less than infectuous. And it's inspiring. And I just wanted you to know that the greatest lesson I take from every one of your "What Makes This Song Great" videos is your entusiasm and love of music. You're every bit as much a treasure to the industry as the artists you cover. Thanks for all you do.

[@lmrk5705]

Perfectly said 👍

[@gerhardvaneeden5615]

Fantastic! Love your honesty, as I'm sure Rick will as well.

[@micheleparker8123]

I played this album RELENTLESSLY when it came out. I didn't realize HOW relentlessly until 30 years later when an old friend of mine and I crossed paths, and they told me, "...yeah, you're the one who was always talking about Pink Floyd's "The Wall" album!". 😁

[@cheneyrobert]

😂😂😂😎👍🏻🥂

[@hanreality.7266]

There are way worse things to be remembered for! 😂

[@JG-zt5vr]

Rick said before the second solo that he wouldn't play over it. 30 seconds in he just couldn't help himself!! Lol, love his passion.

[@benwilliams5236]

Shout out to Nick Mason for his savagely restrained, sublime drumming.

[@lapitch1]

yeah and it makes no sense that they had to get Jeff pacaro to play on mother because nick couldn't get it..strange that

[@mikenicholas8755]

@@lapitch1 rw

[@lapitch1]

@@mikenicholas8755 rw ????

[@nightcross1030]

I think his drumming can best be described with one word: "adequate"

[@Thorum13]

For sure. Understated yet so powerful. His playing is just right on...

[@dedrxbbit7549]

Not gonna lie, I’m a 22 year old and i cry tears of joy every time i hear David Gilmour play the first solo.

[@dougrobinson8602]

When you're Rick's age, you'll still be crying, but it won't be joy....Speaking from experience.

[@exquisitecorpse4917]

This whole album kicks me right in the teenage angst. The emotionality is so timeless that it resonated with Rick in 1979, me in 2000, and you in 2021. There aren't that many songs or albums that have so much generational latitude. No one cares about Fog Hat...no one cares about Korn....no one will care about Imagine Dragons 20 years from now. But Pink Floyd will still be iconic.

[@thedominator87]

34 years old, both solos hit me and its even hitting me as i type this...damn it ,ded XD lol

[@ryanedwards4512]

That's good to hear

[@fretlessfender]

Good for you! You've got taste!

[@Hegder]

Just when you think you've heard a song so many times there's nothing new to hear, Rick uploads a video. Amazing work.

[@chrissterrmusic]

Right?

[@pablopicasso3122]

The way he introduces the first solo without pre-empting it and just playing along is such a reverent, respectful thing, like when does he ever do that? David Gilmour is the GOAT of phrasing; every single note tells it’s own story, a story about hope, aspirations and dreams unfulfilled, with a pain so bad that the only way to cope is to dissociate from it entirely. A solo so powerful that the gods are thankful to be in David’s good graces. Bravo, Rick!

[@davephouski347]

I don’t understand 50% of what Rick is talking about, but I just love his videos. I just find his commentary and insights very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@josephcasile6314]

This might be your best "what makes this song great..." ever. Your love of the source material shines through. I have friends who aren't even musicians who watch your videos religiously because of HOW you go about breaking everything down and your meticulousness. You're one of the best things on KZbin. I'm a drummer and I've been hitting those walk downs with the bass drum constantly. You'd think I would have noticed that Mason doesn't do that on my own, but I had to have you show me! Thanks Rick!

[@Hawkissimo]

BTW, I'm one of those non-musical loyal viewers you mentioned so you're 100% correct that this is true and I have pointed many people to Rick's KZbin channel as there's plenty of content to appeal to those of us who never learned an instrument as well as those who have spent a lifetime as professional musicians.

[@alricthered226]

I watch his videos all the time, myself, and I can't play a single instrument. I've listened to this sort of music all of my life, so I appreciate his breakdown of it, and he makes me _wish_ I was a musician so I could appreciate even further what he's talking about. I love this man's work, the passion he brings to it all. It allows me to appreciate how complex it all really is.

[@1967dooter]

Comfortably Numb is my favourite song ever, but I think 'The Who - Love reign o'er me' is Rick's best WMTSG video. If you've not seen it, give it a spin. Rick's enthusiasm is way more apparent that here.

[@corallaroc2946]

Not hitting the walk downs is gold in this song. As Rick said, it must have been a concisous decision, definitely not an intuitive one.

[@eduardovalente1053]

count me in that group. I get nothing about the theory and yet enjoy it all perfectly.

[@relativetimeworx8459]

Rick: "I still have the same feeling when I hear this song that I did when I was a senior in high school"... That one sentence encapsulates exactly why this channel is such a success. Rick - your genuine love of music that shines through again and again is infectious and touches the soul of anyone who shares that deep love and appreciation. Bravo sir!

[@Nakia_sydney]

100% An expert who also happens to be a nice guy and who never patronises his audience. That is a winning combination. I wish we as a fanbase could all get together and throw Rick the mother of all parties.

[@IRONHEAD12701]

I was 13 and loved old Pink Floyd. My friends and I sat down and listened to the whole album, beginning to end. Everyone there wanted to hear Comfortably Numb again and again……

[@mikesguitargearchannel5692]

This has got to be one of the best WMTSG episodes ever! Ricks reaction to Gilmours second guitar solo is priceless. Along with bands like Led Zepplelin, The Who, The Beatles and the Stones, Pink Floyd is one of the greatest bands ever. This is what great music does to the soul! There is nothing more powerful!

[@shanemckenna1663]

KZbin channels like Rick Beato are why I no longer watch regular television and dumped cable. I know others would agree that hearing songs like Comfortably Numb for the first time created such a powerful lasting memory and connection that you wish that you could experience it again. Watching this video transported me back to that day . The loving way he breaks things down for one of the seminal songs of the past is nothing short of amazing. You can see the honest emotion and inflection in all that he says including body language. it's just outstanding content. Thank you for this video and all the others you have created.

[@noelbowerman1562]

Not a musical chanel ,but a fantastic you tube chanel ,check out Joe Ryan "Roam:" his current series in the Himalayas is amazing. Yes tv sucks now .

[@louspinelli1745]

No other music ever tapped into my soul the way Pink Floyd has and will forever continue to haunt my inner being.

[@c.e.anderson558]

You are in for a wonderful ride.

[@jacquelinebarnard649]

How true OMG ... Just go with it.

[@RedCanyonWolf]

Haunt is the right word

[@stacey021375]

I’m not a musician. I just love great music. But I could listen to Rick Beato pick apart a song all day long. So good. Seeing someone passionate and knowledgeable about his craft is a beautiful thing. ❤

[@DeltaFoxtrot5190]

There are 8,766 Comments as I write this. Even so, I still have to say this is the very best, bar none, analysis of Comfortably Numb there is. Thank you Rick for everybody that gets to ride along with you on this one.

[@RickBeato]

Thanks Paul!🙏🏻

[@mrd6741]

Well, I don't know if I'm humbled, humiliated or embarrassed having just listened to Rick's incredible analysis and dissection of this classic work by PF. I always approached music as art that I let flow over me without giving any thought about or credit to the genius behind the song. When I picked up a guitar for fun three years ago at age 70 it became more obvious how much work musicians actually put into their creations. Very grateful that Rick lends his considerable talent toward helping me appreciate music even more.

[@vincentblackpool8731]

Yeah, I put in 12 hours per day, 7 days a week from 1976-1979 . . . I'm 2 years and 8 days older than Rick. I haven't been playing that much over the past few years though, and I'm losing my "chops." :/ I need to get on a practice schedule to build up the tissues of my left hand. In any event, GO FER IT, Mr. D!!!

[@hybridwafer]

I'd just point out that you don't need to know music theory or terminology to compose great music. Some do, some don't, some put a lot of work into their creations and some surprisingly little.

[@vincentblackpool8731]

@@hybridwafer It's redundant to point this out, since Rick stated the exact same thing in the video. (Not to mention the fact that everybody with an operational brain already knows it.) Did you watch the entire video? I didn't think so.

[@hendrikheemels8615]

Mr D, from the song Dancing With Mr D?

[@hybridwafer]

@@vincentblackpool8731 Great, that means Rick and I agree and that he didn't deem it unnecessary to point it out despite everybody with an operational brain already knowing it. As for you, your chops and your practice schedule I couldn't care less which is why I wasn't talking to you in the first place.

[@helos9197]

I am still overwhelmed with chills every time I listen to this song.

[@basscornel]

Yeah, and remember the movie scene ? When Pink gets covered by this slimy, sticky substance that converts him into this Neo-Nazi guy. Wow...

[@camarribacamabajo]

geeeeeeeeeees RICK why on earth was I constantly smiling and crying, smiling crying, smiling crying all the time with your review of this masterpiece ? AMAZING. You nailed EVERYTHING, when to explain , when to play along when not, when to stop. THE BEST ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@richardrejmer8721]

I watch the "Pulse" Tour DVD version of the outro solo of this song about once every 6 months or so. . . I am 71 years old and that guitar solo makes me cry - *EVERY TIME!* . . So powerful!. . . and it reaches into the heart of my soul and drags out a million emotions. . . Pure GENIUS!

[@teresagorden5984]

I have loved this song since it came out, have watched them live 4 times( record launches) I listened to study in college, and listen couple times weekly or more often. It makes you feel so many good emotions. I am now 65 and still love it, listen to fall asleep sometimes, too.

[@disqusmacabre6246]

65 and with you!

[@234cheech]

floyd are a feeling ya dont listen to floyd you feel it

[@emilyflotilla931]

66 and 38 years clean and sober. Not all those days were bad, Pink Floyd can still make me cry and smile at the same time. This piece is a freaking symphony on its own. Chhers all!

[@edjackson4389]

The Pulse version of High Hopes is also amazing!

[@Matt-bs5vh]

This has got to be my favotire WMTSG yet. The enthusiasm from Rick warms my soul.

[@estarling8766]

Most of us waited 40 years to hear the right words prizing this masterpiece. Thank you Rick. Respect!

[@dianndale594]

This song had been with me for over 40 years and has meant so many things to me....Love, love, love it!!!

[@chitlitlah]

Upon seeing the title: Hey, it's my favorite band! Upon hearing the intro: Hey, it's my favorite song! After the video: Hey, it's my lucky day!

[@maxpo787]

Same

[@dphachey]

This series is the best on KZbin, bar none. Boston’s Hitch a Ride was my favorite episode up until now. Rick, you have outdone yourself once again. You can’t go wrong with Pink Floyd. I would recommend Shine on you Crazy Diamond next, but it would take 2 or 3 glorious hours! Please please please!

[@jamesslick4790]

You sir, are obviously a man of taste!

[@joba4848]

I’d like Echoes part 1 please.

[@bennyc409]

Absolutely the best choice.

[@LarsBjerregaard]

I concur! Actually, just putting it out there - how about a Rick Beato 2 hour special only on the "Wish you were here" album, from start to finish? That would be something to watch methinks......

[@glenrotchin5523]

Rick playing ‘caveman’ air drums - worth the price of admission.

[@grahamjarman]

i like air violin better

[@jamespardue8919]

Came here for caveman fills, was not disappointed

[@dreamcatcher4813]

Thank you Rick for transmitting your love of Pink Floyd , I'm a 68 years old , and I'm a great fan of Pink Floyd since the beginning , ummugumma was my first musical schock,.Comfortably numb is so moving deeply, I got the chance to play this song, of course I cannot equalize David Gilmour , but it was an hommage to this great guitarist and great singer. I was moved . One of my favourite version of this song is the PULSE version. Each time I listen to it , I m in the edge of tears. It's a sad song .hello from France , hello from Paris.. Thank tou again for sharing your love of music.

[@pablosquared4868]

Man, this is utterly captivating. I've known and loved this album since I got it as an Xmas present in 1979, having been a fan since WYWH. Played Comfortably Numb thousands of times, and always have the same powerful emotional response to it. And now Rick's shared his joy, enthusiasm and knowledge, I'm weeping with joy, awe and admiration once again, And now I'm gonna listen to the album again. Thank you, Rick, from the bottom of my heart.

[@benkatof4240]

I love when a genius expresses their knowledge with pure unbridled joy - This was that. Thank you Rick.

[@spiderman4x]

When I was a teenager back in the mid 90’s I sustain a major head injury. Doctors said I was singing this song despite being unconscious. My mom truly believe this song kept my brain firing until doctors were able to stabilize me. To this day every acoustic show I do we always finish the first set with this song.

[@Veyron1967]

That's amazing dude, singing Comfortably Numb while you were, well, comfortably numb. :)

[@whitsundaydreaming]

@@Veyron1967 😉👍😂

[@braydnfenton9146]

The orchestration part alone is absolutley beutiful. And then the addition of roger's, bass and vocals, and gilmour's guitar+vocals make for a legend of a song.

[@wonder6789]

Totally agree about Gilmour's voice and singing: always a class act.

[@kevinluke7059]

The absolute joy this man displays when educating millions is so fucking great....I swear Rick is the best thing on KZbin.

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

It's like he has worked his whole life to get to the point where he can make this video…

[@adrianionescu5569]

Totally agree

[@PureJadeKid]

@@twocatsgaming6628 Elizabeth is amazing and so genuine. Her love of music and openness to different genres is inspiring.

[@oldman0995]

That whole stanza when I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse out of the corner of my eye but I looked again and it was gone and I cannot put my finger on The child is grown the dream is gone I have become comfortably numb. Wow how many of us have lived that verse as we have grown old

[@larsamundo]

It is the perfect expression of lost youth and lost innocence. Its akin to getting kicked out of Eden but realizing what was lost only too late!

[@sandcasterofveeshan366]

Nick Mason is massively underrated as a drummer. He is so phenomenal on the drums. Such a great detailed song, so many sections to it, and the attention to detail is amazing.

[@goodpainlive1]

He and Richard Wright are the unsung heroes of PF

[@goodpainlive1]

Nick and Richard were the heart of PF.

[@operationstayalive]

when gilmour's voice comes in it's like the clouds opening up.

[@ClickToPreview]

Absofreakinlutely.

[@j.m.demoor1156]

Nice. Not sure I've ever heard a better way to describe it.

[@MrMottestyles]

Totally in agreement. 100%.

[@rajnandini5968]

I have seriously never heard a perfect interpretation

[@basilandrigsby]

Totally! Needs the murkiness of Waters to truly set it off though. 🤝

[@cakeshoe]

Many of Floyd’s songs were so incredibly well-crafted and performed that they seem to be timeless.

[@crungefactory]

They ARE timeless

[@hadrack9859]

Dark side of the moon isn’t timeless

[@Mxulin]

@@hadrack9859 What is?

[@lynby6231]

@@hadrack9859i see what you did there 😉

[@lynby6231]

Did you know that one of the demos for this song featured some lyrics written by David Gilmour? , something like I’m just the same as all the rest I’m not the worst I’m not the best dah dah dah😙

[@btimec5290]

I think we love your videos because we see someone displaying a deep passion and love for something, while also showing an incredible aptitude. It's the best of what it is to be human. Thank you Rick.

[@RickBeato]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@davethebeau1365]

Superb comment.

[@pauldiamond9219]

It came out when I was in HS too...and it still gives me goose bumps every single time and I must of listened to it literally 4 or 500 times over the years, easily.

[@chrisherrera3356]

Gilmour’s outro solo echoes the emotion of the lyrics perfectly. It’s cliche to say the guitar cries, but it really wails at the beginning of that solo. It echoes the desperation of the lyrics. It will forever haunt me and will forever be my favorite solo. Thanks again for sharing.

[@TheDoug625]

The outro solo could be 4 hours long and you'd still be sad that it's ending

[@alanshepherd4304]

Listen to the live version at the Pulse concert!! Stunning 😁😁🇬🇧

[@jonchilds1637]

@@alanshepherd4304 for me, that’s ‘the one’!!

[@hedkace]

I get sad when ANY David Gilmore solo ends. Thankfully it's beauty holds me over till the next.

[@jeff0247598]

There is always a sad feeling when that 2nd solo fades into oblivion. You just don’t want that ride to end.

[@ChadWorthman]

After seeing David play this live, I can say are 100% correct. Even I've sometimes thought PF solos can drag on when listening at home, but live.... even when they're 20 minutes long, they're still too short.

[@iggyfritz7150]

Rick in my sixty years on this planet I don't think I've ever known someone so knowledgeable not only just about music but production recording the whole process. You are definitely the go-to man. I learned so much just by watching your videos than any teacher has ever taught me you have an amazing way of making it easily understandable. As a musician of many years I am in awe of your multiple talents. I wish I had the money because you would be the one guy I would want to record my music and produce it. God bless you buddy.

[@gdmatter2286]

:)

[@amarko9987]

Rick's unbridled enjoyment makes you fall in love with this incredible song all over again!

[@claytonfairbairn8846]

I have zero understanding of music but watching Rick dissect, analyse and recompile all of the parts of a track with such passion and knowledge is a great thing. I'm subscribed to a channel that I love and it could be in French for all of my understanding. Keep it up Rick.

[@havecamwillshoot]

i too do not know "notation" or "cords" or 90% of what he is talking about technically. i can't play music but i consume it with an intensity; like that gets you through an impossible time or concretes thoughts and feelings you never want to let loose of. i, like so many, feel music to my bones and dissect it organically. if you dub it to quarter inch tape and cut it up in bars i could put it back together. rick helps me appreciate the nuances of the music and i love how these things that impress him, as a musician, is the same as what impressed me as a passive observer; or hits me with something i totally missed and don't know how. music is universal language, but interpretation is not. thank you rick for making the familiar new again. i love you man and i appreciate your life experience stories too. i truly feel i missed out on my calling, i should have been a part of the music word because music is such a part of me; but your stories takes me to a place that seems so right - thank you. if i cant learn how to play i will at least learn how to appreciate and interpret and enjoy it more deeply.

[@chrischandler889]

So Rick's lips move but you don't hear what he's saying?

[@evbo_schmev]

@@chrischandler889 I c u Chris

[@MrBabyBoa]

It's quite nice to know I'm not the only one! lol! What little I do know about music...Rick has slowly taught me over the past decade I've been watching (mesmerized) by his videos. :-)

[@merguetroidrittzlesnat2287]

@@chrischandler889 👌 Perfect! LOL

[@bobsala7780]

104 episodes into this series and you continue to outdo yourself. Well done, sir.

[@brotherbax4083]

I still get goosebumps and tears when listening to this song. Truly one of the greatest. Thank you, Rick, for featuring it in this series.

[@sjferguson]

When my youngest was getting into ear buds he would always ask me why I still wore those big old fashioned headphones and he would kinda make fun of me. One day I told him, if you will listen to just one song on my headphones you will understand why. That song? Comfortably Numb. I'm a child of the 70's. I KNOW what a good pair of headphones can do for your listening experience. I think he must have listened to that song on my headphones about 6 times and when he finally took them off he he realized why i still have those big headphones and he never made fun of me again 😂 that song was made for headphones.

[@TrondOdegaard]

Couldn't agree more. I would say the same thing about a lot of Hendrix's music. All Along the Watchtower, for example.

[@sjferguson]

@@TrondOdegaard OMG yes! I love that song!

[@kaicanyonellis]

Everyone: It's impossible to love this song more than I already do Rick: Challenge accepted

[@robinsokol6957]

omg, exactly

[@WardDorrity]

Comfortably Numb is one of the most extraordinary pieces of music ever composed. I always felt that towards the end, it became the funeral march of a lost and tormented soul. All of the anguish and regret of something glimpsed and lost is distilled and channeled into one extended searing cry. This never gets old. Ever. It speaks to something that we all know and cannot be expressed in any other way. Music - real music is a language all its own. Extraordinary musicians like David Gilmour can communicate their inner experiences as few can today. Gilmour’s guitar appears be connected directly to his soul. Some musicians can manage that for a few moments. For Gilmour, its his natural state of being. It is unmistakable and cannot be faked.

[@looeyt4767]

yesssssss anguish regret i can't get enough of this song....

[@TelecasterLPGTop]

Well said Ward, you get it as we all do but you express it so well.

[@QuilterCRW]

Yass and even at age 76 he’s still producing music right from his soul!

[@thomastucker5686]

When I fake David Gilmore, I know I'm a fake.

[@123Neilob]

Love the sheer joy and enthusiasm in Rick’s eyes here. He bloody loves this track 🤘🏻

[@mumbly1133]

Yes, his joy is a delight. Or vice versa.

[@Katnip452]

Love Rick’s enthusiasm. I wasn’t an attentive PF listener back in the day, but began making my acquaintance with their albums in middle age, so this song has grown from barely unnoticed background for me to something richer over the years and then to over-familiar. It’s great that Rick can remind us what’s so special about it.

[@hash59]

Never clicked so fast. With Pink Floyd we probably need what makes this album great 🙂

[@MBrulla]

Today, on what makes this one of the greatest bands of all time...

[@caiop_0375]

What makes this career great

[@njordan2001]

There could be a whole KZbin channel dedicated to examining Pink Floyd songs.

[@agumperz]

And what makes this career great!

[@ryanhallwrites]

What makes this band great? I pray this video doesn’t get blocked.

[@FatalChaz33]

I have listened to this masterpiece thousands of times and Rick points out so many new things for me here. This is like a class. So great.

[@paulo1787]

I’m gobsmacked, I’m a 57 year old Welshman 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿, this song has been with me most of my life, yet it feels I’ve never properly listened to it, what a gift you have revealed to me Rick, you legend 👏🙏😁

[@Gilbarwaters]

I bless the day I found Rick Beato’s channel. I bless the day I discovered this song when I was a teenager in the mid 80’s. As a kid I was abused and I remember having a fever and horrible nightmares. I was tense most of the time. My Mexican grandmother didn’t know what I had. I could not say what happened to me and she would rub an egg all over my body to try to "cure me" from whatever evil curse she thought I had. I got over it as I was growing up but I never forgot. So when I heard this song for the first time. I just started crying. I felt the lyrics deeply. I took this song and I made it mine. This song was my safe haven. It’s lyrics were like someone actually understanding what I went through without me trying to make someone believe me. Sometimes, through my moments of anxiety and depression, this song gets me through it. Because Incan cry and let it all out and by the last solo I feel relieved. That’s my interpretation of this song and because of this song Pink Floyd became my favorite band.

[@bmcg4977]

The second guitar solo on the Pulse DVD is absolutely SOUL CRUSHING.

[@MegaFonebone]

Was thinking the same thing!

[@TheAskald]

When you're used to the extended live version, the studio version stops at the best part. In my mind, the studio and live versions are really different. The studio version is an extract from The Wall, the live version is a 10 min masterpiece of its own.

[@DaneJacobsonMD]

Seems dramatic, but it changed my life

[@guitari-guitartuition1369]

The dive bomb part of that solo is genuinely genius !

[@moi01887]

Does anyone else remember the Pulse double-CD release, with the blinking LED on the box?

[@brianbge]

I brought home the newly purchased “The Wall” album without having heard anything from it. I was 19. Played it for the first time. Normally on a concept/opera album I’d have played it all through to the end at least once. When “Comfortably Numb” finished, I lifted the stylus immediately and played the track again … I did this at least 4 times in a row before allowing the disc to play out normally. I’d never heard anything like it!!

[@garag3054]

Yep! Been there & done that 🥰👌

[@andreafavilli5058]

Not such an easy thing to do then, when there wasn't the CD's feature of skipping/replaying the tracks! Much harder to do on a tape, where you had to reset the counter to the beginning of the track and then rewind the tape to that point. There were some advanced tape players that could rewind the tape to the beginning of a track automatically, if only there was at least a 2 secs pause of silence. Unluckily, since it was a concept album, this wasn't the case of "The Wall".

[@brianbge]

@@andreafavilli5058 It was on the 12” vinyl disc; the original format. Remember them? Obviously not!

[@andreafavilli5058]

@@brianbge I bought the album in 1980. Can't say if the LP sold in Italy had the same format they've got elsewhere. I remember the 12" vinyl format for some EP (I've got "He Knows You Know" by Marillion).

[@buenjames]

@@brianbge i know eh, the guy comes out of nowhere, puts your testimony in doubt, and has no idea what he's talking about, friggin trolls.

[@FlightData101]

Rick, I’ve always believed this was the greatest song ever recorded and you’ve just explained why. I was 18 and first in a line of guys from my high school standing in front of our local record shop on the day this album released. I will never forget the experience of listening to it in it’s entirety that afternoon. I now realize I was too young and naive to fully appreciate the messages Roger and David were trying to convey, but I was moved all the same. I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed a few tears for both of David’s guitar solos in this song. That experience was definitely the most influential musical moment of my life. Finally getting to see him play it live at Massey Hall in 2006 and sharing that moment with my sons was the icing on the cake.

[@mathewhale3581]

Sweet indeed

[@vwgti1985]

Agree about the tears, it happens to me often when I listen, specially brings memories of the two concerts I have the chance to see David performing it. And then they close with run like hell...

[@kennethlambden8887]

You're not alone. That extended lead in to the second solo and the first few bars of that solo made me weep. It's just so damn beautiful.

[@eboethrasher]

We hear different messages differently at different points in our lives. And that's ok. That is the beauty of interpretation.

[@ultimatelv27]

I'm not a musician but I don't know why I like it when Rick gets all technical with F minor G flat jargons. I guess I just appreciate all the musicians who sprinkle salt into this world.

[@jeffersonott4357]

Cause, it is wonderful to listen to people with an expertise teach you. I would go listen to someone who built a reverse osmosis water desalination site, if they were incredible at explaining it. Human expertise… I am American, and I just cried watching messi win his title. He is an expert. It’s cool, I get it!

[@noahway13]

But it kinda makes me sad, knowing that music will never be this good ever again. No young people are into making music this deep anymore.

[@kristinjacobs9153]

@@noahway13 don’t give up yet! We can’t possibly know what the future holds for musical artists. There might be some radical shift in themes and complexity. I mean, ‘50s and early ‘60s music was pretty poppy and fluffy, then along came the 1970s.

[@kristinjacobs9153]

I love that imagery - “sprinkle salt into this world”. Thank god for those that do!

[@noahway13]

@@kristinjacobs9153 Hope you are correct.

[@RobbCairnsMusic]

Even though I’ve heard this song a million times, Rick’s deeper dive just brings this song to life!

[@ritualentertainment]

No matter how many times you play Comfortably Numb, even on repeat, it hits you right in the feels every. single. time. Never has there been a more goosebump-inducing song in the history of prog rock. Even Echoes, which is my personal favorite Floyd song, doesn't come close.

[@simondore5268]

Fahulous! A friend (a very good one ,once told me the story about the deal between Rger and David to play on each other's tours. So,I hastened to my office and booked tickets to see Roger's Wall..hoping with every fibre to see DG too. Well,so having managed to get my lovely wife to come with me .allergic to prog prior. To that we adopted a strategic place on the O2 floor,m. Situated just abaft the sound stacks which included some audience mics. I was notvdissappointed! In fact,having told my best friend all about it!Especially the moment when my darling wife told me that it was probably the best concert she had ever seen,He,my friend,did what he does and hit the Web only to tell me la5er that he had found a recording online (ROGER£s website,had heard the awesome AaDG solo know Comfortably numb,but also %yor/my "Yirly scream% when David appeared atop the wall! So,on inspection myself,it seemed,clear as is possible in a packed and noisy stadium!???Hilar8ous and onev5o dine out on for weeksI was so moved by it all that I triedbto repeat the experience for my own first born son and gave him two tickets for his 21at! It worked! He loved it too and didn't stop talking about it e8ther!SPGTD

[@dwightropp3014]

Maybe 'Wish You Were Here' is the only other one that comes closest?

[@bobdole1872]

Me too. That second solo, every time

[@katherandefy]

Gosh I dunno. Echoes and Wish you were here

[@nectarinedreams7208]

Time is better in every way. Comfortably Numb is great but it's of its time and more typical compositionally, unlike Time.

[@stevencrayn]

David Gilmour did that legendary second solo as a first take. He thought he could do a better one, but no matter how much he tried he couldn’t top it. Producer Bob Ezrin said “You got it in the first take”, and that’s the one they used. Genius.

[@cohoanglervancouverwa6755]

The same thing happened on Great Gig In The Sky. Clair Tory sang it once. First take. That’s what made onto the album. Lots of singers have tried to duplicate it but they can’t quite pull it off. Even Clair herself couldn’t do it again.

[@tgirard123]

I've been in the studio when musicians come in and lay something down so extraordinary on the first take. It's surreal when you are there and see it happen and even see the musician himself not be able to do anything better. Nothing on the level of David gilmour, I'm just saying the effect is the same when you experience something like that.

[@garygomesvedicastrology]

Actually, Gilmour's own account of how that solo came together is somewhat differently than Bob Ezrin does, according to an interview with David Gilmour in Guitar World “I banged out five or six solos,” Gilmour says. “From there I just followed my usual procedure, which is to listen back to each solo and make a chart, noting which bits are good. Then, by following the chart, I create one great composite solo by whipping one fader up, then another fader, jumping from phrase to phrase until everything flows together. That’s the way we did it on ‘Comfortably Numb.’”

[@jackshittle]

@@garygomesvedicastrology Exactly.

[@jackshittle]

Actually, Gilmour's own account of how that solo came together is somewhat differently than Bob Ezrin does, according to an interview with David Gilmour in Guitar World “I banged out five or six solos,” Gilmour says. “From there I just followed my usual procedure, which is to listen back to each solo and make a chart, noting which bits are good. Then, by following the chart, I create one great composite solo by whipping one fader up, then another fader, jumping from phrase to phrase until everything flows together. That’s the way we did it on ‘Comfortably Numb.’”

[@12121rob]

Rick Beato's series 'What Makes this Song Great' is literally one of the best things on KZbin! Keep them coming Rick!!